'I tried to hold back tears': First two Muslim congresswomen react to New Zealand tragedy

Nihad Awad, the National Executive Director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said that the killing of at least 49 people in a mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques was "inspired by hate mongers in the United States. And in Europe." (March 15)
AP

WASHINGTON – Two freshmen congresswomen who were the first Muslim women ever elected to Congress reacted to New Zealand mosque attacks with heartbreak on Friday.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., both elected in November, reacted with both pain and worry for Muslims across the world after 49 people were killed in targeted attacks at two mosques in the city of Christchurch.

"This morning I tried to hold back tears as I hugged my two brown, Muslim boys a little tighter and longer," she said in a statement. "I am so angry at those who follow the 'white supremacy' agenda in my own country that sends a signal across the world that massacres like this is some kind of call to action."

She said that today was Jumu-ah, a prayer held each Friday, and she prayed that other Muslims would be "protected and can find some kind of peace." Tlaib also posted a photo of her cuddling with her two sons, the two boys smiling.

"I hope that our children don't become numb to this, and that this is not their new normal," Tlaib said.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Members of the public attend a vigil in George Square to pay their respects for the victims of the Christchurch Mosque shootings in New Zealand on March 23, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. People from all faiths attended the event where they wrote symbolic messages of peace, love and unity before tying them to a tree of peace. Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

A handout image obtained from Dubai's Public Diplomacy Office on March 23, 2019 shows the Gulf emirate's Burj Khalifa tower lit the previous night with an image of New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in appreciation of her solidarity position with her country's Muslim community following the March 15 massacre of 50 worshippers in a mosque in Christchurch by an Australian white supremacist. Muslims prayed at Christchurch's main mosque on March 23 for the first time since last week's massacre New Zealand sought to return to normality after the tragedy. AFP/Getty Images

Members of the public attend a vigil in George Square to pay their respects for the victims of the Christchurch Mosque shootings in New Zealand on March 23, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public attend a vigil in George Square to pay their respects for the victims of the Christchurch Mosque shootings in New Zealand on March 23, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Saidoa Ly covers his face in a prayer for the New Zealand mosque shooting victims during an event held by the Summit Colorado Interfaith Council Friday, March 22, 2019, at the Lord of the Mountains Church in Dillon, Colo. Hugh Carey, Summit Daily News via AP

Flowers and candles are seen during a vigil to remember the victims of last week's terrorist attack on Christchurch's Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia on March 21, 2019. A gunman killed 50 worshippers at the Al Noor Masjid and Linwood Masjid in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15. A 28-year-old Australian suspect was charged with murder. Kelly Barnes, EPA-EFE

Londoners hold a minute's silence during a vigil at Trafalgar square in London, Britain, March 21, 2019. Thousands of people payed their respects to those who lost their lives during a terror attack in Christchurch a week ago. Andy Rain, EPA-EFE

Londoners hold a minute's silence during a vigil at Trafalgar square in London, Britain on March 21, 2019. Thousands of people payed their respects to those who lost their lives during a terror attack in Christchurch a week ago. Andy Rain, EPA-EFE

Messages of support are placed at the vigil to remember the victims of last week's terrorist attack on Christchurch's Al Noor mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre, in Adelaide, Australia on March 21, 2019. Kelly Barnes, EPA-EFE

Relatives and devotees offer absentia funeral prayers for Mohammed Sohail Shahid, who was killed in the Christchurch mosques attacks in New Zealand, in Lahore on March 19, 2019. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern vowed on March 19 never to utter the name of the twin-mosque gunman as she opened a sombre session of parliament with an evocative "as-salaam alaikum" message of peace to Muslims. Arif Ali, AFP/Getty Images

Flowers and messages are placed outside Lakemba Mosque in Sydney on March 20, 2018, five days after the mass shooting attacks at two mosques in Christchurch that killed 50 Muslim worshippers in the city. A Syrian refugee and his son were buried in New Zealand on March 20 in the first funerals of those killed in the twin mosque massacre as Kiwis braced for days of emotional farewells following the mass slayings. Peter Parks, AFP/Getty Images

Artists paint a mural reading "Hello Brother" in tribute to the victims of the Christchurch mass shooting in New Zealand in Banda Aceh, Aceh province on March 21, 2019. "Hello brother." The warm-hearted words an elderly Muslim reportedly used to greet a white supremacist gunman have become Christchurch's answer to his volley of hate. Chaideer Mahyuddin, AFP/Getty Images

Pakistani Christians hold a special prayer services for the victims of Christchurch mosques shooting, in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Many people were killed in a terror attack at two mosques in New Zealand, on March 15. K.M. C haudarey, AP

Duchess Meghan of Sussex and Prince Harry lay floral tributes at New Zealand House on March 19, 2019 in London, following the recent terror attack at mosques in Christchurch that killed 50 people. Ian Vogler/ Getty Images pool

Activists perform a symbolic action pray during a rally at the New Zealand Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 19, 2019. A gunman, believed to be a 28-year-old Australian man, who killed 50 worshippers at the Al Noor Masjid and Linwood Mosque, appeared in court on the morning of the March 16 charged with murder. Ahmad Yusni, EPA-EFE

Protesters attend a rally for the upcoming International Day for the Elimination of Racism Discrimination, in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, March 17, 2019. About 100 demonstrators denounced the mosques' attacks in New Zealand. Ahn Young-joon, AP

Surfers competing in the Sydney Surf Pro participate in a paddle-out, wreath laying and observe a minute of silence to remember victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks at Manly Beach on March 17, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. 50 people are confirmed dead and 36 are injured still in hospital following shooting attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday, 15 March. The attack is the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history. Cameron Spencer, Getty Images

Australian politicians and religious leaders light candles at an interfaith service at St Marys Cathedral in Sydney on March 17, 2019, in memory of those who lost their lives in the Christchurch mosque attacks. Wendell Teodoro, AFP/Getty Images

Imam Osman Oers of House of One attends a memorial service for an intercession to persecuted Christians in the world in the St. Marien Church in Berlin, Germany on March 17, 2019. The service also commemorated the victims of the Christchurch shooting where a gunman killed 50 worshippers in mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15. Imam Osman Oers from the House of One also attended the service. The 'House of One' project promotes a house of prayer and learning of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in a peaceful coexistence. Felipe Trueba, EPA-EFE

People shout slogans to condemn mass shooting in Christchurch, after Pakistani authorities confirmed six of its nationals were killed, during a protest in Peshawar, Pakistan, Pakistan on March 17, 2019. ARSHAD ARBAB, EPA-EFE

Pakistani Christians attend a special prayer service for the victims of Christchurch mosques shooting, at a church in Hyderabad, Pakistan, Sunday, March 17, 2019. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman says three more Pakistanis have been identified among the dead increasing the number of Pakistanis to nine killed in the mass shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. Pervez Masih, AP

From left, Syeda Sabeera, Sumaiya Syed and Amina Choudhury stand with candles during a prayer service at St. James Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Austin, Texas. The service was held in honor of those killed and injured in Friday's mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Nick Wagner, Austin American-Statesma via AP

Crowds gather on Takapuna beach for a vigil in memory of the victims of the Christchurch mosque terror attacks on March 16, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. 49 people are confirmed dead, with 36 injured still in hospital following shooting attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday, 15 March. 41 of the victims were killed at Al Noor mosque on Deans Avenue and seven died at Linwood mosque. Another victim died later in Christchurch hospital. A 28-year-old Australian-born man, Brenton Tarrant, appeared in Christchurch District Court on Saturday charged with murder. The attack is the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history. Cam McLaren, Getty Images

The Silver Fern of New Zealand is seen projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House to pay tribute for victims of massacre in the mosques in Christchurch, in Sydney, Australia on March 16, 2019. Paul Braven, EPA-EFE

A vigil is held outside the State Library of Victoria. 49 people are confirmed dead, with with 36 injured still in hospital following shooting attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday, 15 March. Jaimi Chisholm, Getty Images

A number of Melbourne's landmarks are lit up in the New Zealand flag colors in a show of solidarity. Flinders St Station. 49 people are confirmed dead, with with 36 injured still in hospital following shooting attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday, 15 March. Jaimi Chisholm, Getty Images

Mourners pay their respects at a makeshift memorial near the Masjid Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, Saturday, March 16, 2019. People across New Zealand are reaching out to Muslims in their communities and around the country the day after mass shootings at two mosques that left dozens of people dead. Mark Baker, AP

Anti racism protesters stand during a UN anti racism day march in London, Britain on March 16, 2019. Marches across the world took place during UN anti racism day condemning the attacks on muslims in New Zealand this week. At least 49 people were killed by a gunman, believed to be Brenton Harrison Tarrant, and 20 more injured and in critical condition during the terrorist attacks against two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand during the Friday prayers on 15 March. Andy Rain, EPA-EFE

A woman reacts as she sits among flowers left in tribute to victims outside the entrance of the hospital in Christchurch on March 16, 2019, after a shooting incident at two mosques in Christchurch the previous day. Anthony Wallace, AFP/Getty Images

A young mourner weeps after placing flowers at the police cordon as Police continue the search of the area close by the Linwood Ave Mosque in Christchurch on March 16, 2019. Michael Bradley, AFP/Getty Images

Mourners pay their respects at a makeshift memorial near the Masjid Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, Saturday, March 16, 2019. The white supremacist gunman appeared in court Saturday charged with murder in the mosque assaults that killed dozens of people and led to the prime minister to call for a tightening of national gun laws. Vincent Yu, AP

People gather for a vigil held for the victims of the New Zealand terror attack on Friday March 15, 2019 in Toronto. Members of Muslim communities across the Canada offered condolences to the grieving families and spoke out against extremism. Chris Young, The Canadian Press via AP

Chalk messages outside a Mosque in Kilbirnie, Wellington. on March 16, 2019 in Kilbirnie, New Zealand. At least 49 people are confirmed dead, with more than 40 people injured following attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday afternoon. 41 of the victims were killed at Al Noor mosque on Deans Avenue and seven died at Linwood mosque. Another victim died later in Christchurch hospital. Three people are in custody over the mass shootings. One man has been charged with murder. Mark Tantrum, Getty Images

Women pray and prepare for the weekly Jum'a prayer service at the Southern California Islamic Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 15, 2019. Yesterday, a man opened fire at two Mosques in New Zealand, killing 49 and wounding many more. Harrison Hill, USA TODAY

Various community leaders and officers comfort each other during a press conference at the Southern California Islamic Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 15, 2019. The press conference was organized after a man opened fire at two Mosques in New Zealand, killing 49 and wounding many more. Harrison Hill, USA TODAY

Rabbi Linda Holtzman, second from right, attends an interfaith service held in honor and solidarity with the people killed in the deadly attacks on mosques in New Zealand at an Masjidullah Mosque in Philadelphia, Friday, March 15, 2019. Margo Reed, The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP

People write messages on a sheet of paper during a gathering to commemorate the victims of an attack on two mosques in New Zealand at the New Zealander Embassy in Brussels on March 15, 2019. A "right-wing extremist" armed with semi-automatic weapons rampaged through two mosques in the quiet New Zealand city of Christchurch during afternoon prayers on March 15, killing 49 worshippers and wounding dozens more. Laurie Dieffembacq, AFP/Getty Images

White roses from a delegation of religious in France are displayed at the entrance hall of the New Zealand Embassy in France, in Paris, Friday, March 15, 2019. France is increasing security measures at mosques and other religious sites after the deadly attack against two mosques in New Zealand. Francois Mori, AP

JoAnn Huber is hugged by Sarah Rana as she exits worship at the Islamic Society of Tulsa to members of Tulsa's interfaith community with Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry greet worshippers as they leave Islamic Society of Tulsa, Friday, March 15, 2019 in Tulsa, Okla. The group showed up to show support in the wake of the New Zealand mosque shootings. Mike Simons, Tulsa World via AP

Melbourne United players observe a minute's silence for the victims of the Mosque shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand during game three of the NBL Grand Final Series between the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United at RAC Arena on March 15, 2019 in Perth, Australia. Will Russell, Getty Images

Turkish police secure the plaza in front of he Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul's main tourist attractions Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, March 15, 2019. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says at least three Turkish citizens were injured in the attack that targeted Muslim worshippers in New Zealand and that he has spoken to one of them. Emrah Gurel, AP

Demonstrators chant slogans against the mosque attacks in New Zealand during a protest in Istanbul, Friday, March 15, 2019. At least 49 people were killed in mass shootings at two mosques full of worshippers attending Friday prayers on what the prime minister called "one of New Zealand's darkest days." Lefteris Pitarakis, AP

Pakistanis protest to condemn the New Zealand mosque shooting, in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, March 15, 2019. Pakistan's prime minister Imran Khan has condemned attacks on two mosques in New Zealand, saying he blames rising "Islamophobia." Khan wrote Friday on Twitter that "terrorism does not have a religion." Fareed Khan, AP

Flowers are placed on the front steps of the Wellington Masjid mosque in Kilbirnie in Wellington on March 15, 2019, after a shooting incident at two mosques in Christchurch. Marty Melville, AFP/Getty Images

Indian Muslims and clerics hold posters to condemn the mass shooting that occurred at multiple mosques in New Zealand city of Christchurch, during an Islamic seminary in Mumbai on March 14, 2019. A "right-wing extremist" armed with semi-automatic weapons rampaged through two mosques in the quiet New Zealand city of Christchurch during afternoon prayers on March 15, killing 49 worshippers and wounding dozens more. Indranil Mukherjee, AFP/Getty Images

Delegates stands during a minute of silence after the mass shooting that occurred in New Zealand during a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council on March 15, 2019, in Geneva. Fabrice Coffrini, AFP/Getty Images

A cricket supporter holds a sign reading "Terrorism has no religion real Muslims aren't terrorists!", after the mass shooting that occurred in New Zealand, during the 2nd elimination PSL Twenty20 match between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United in Karachi on March 15, 2019. Asif Hassan, AFP/Getty Images

Muslims attend a vigil at the East London Mosque for the victims of the New Zealand mosque attacks on March 15, 2019 in London, England. Patrols have been increased after 49 people were killed in mass shootings at two mosques in central Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday. Jack Taylor, Getty Images

In the wake of the deadly attack against two mosques in New Zealand, police officers sit in their vehicle out side the Al Aqsa Islamic Society mosque in Philadelphia, ahead of prayers Friday, March 15, 2019. Matt Rourke, AP

Omar echoed those sentiments. She told reporters that she didn't see the news until she woke up Friday morning in disbelief.

"Love trumps hate," she said. "And so we just have to make sure that we are resilient, loving and that we are creating an environment that recognizes all of our work."

Omar said she worried about the level of hatred in fringe groups, such as what the suspects in the attack were involved in, but said those terrorists should not be given any credence or be allowed to win.

‘We must face the hate and terror with love and with compassion.’ — Rep. @IlhanMN responded to the New Zealand terror attack by asking everyone to join Muslims at Jummah prayers in solidarity pic.twitter.com/0GvB9s9f32

She called on everyone — Muslim or not — to pray and not be afraid to go to mosques and "join them in solidarity."

"I know that there was a call for people to not go, and I said to people that is what the terrorist want us to do. That is a win for them," Omar said. "And so we must face the hate and terror with love and with compassion."

CLOSE

Dozens of peoples were gunned down after a gunman opened fire in two Islamic mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
USA TODAY

The New Zealand attacks occurred the Al Noor mosque, where 41 people died, and the Linwood Islamic Center, where seven died. One person died in the hospital.

More than 20 people were seriously wounded in the racist rampage.

One person, a self-proclaimed racist who described himself as a 28-year-old Australian, was arrested and charged with murder and two others were detained in what Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called "one of New Zealand's darkest days."

The Australian suspect, who claimed responsibility for the shootings, left a 74-page manifesto against immigrants and used a helmet-mounted camera to capture footage of the killings.